Herne Bay lesbian couple set to wed after changes to marriage laws

A lesbian couple from Herne Bay are set to make their own bit of history as they become among the first to tie the knot following changes to the law.

The new gay marriage legislation comes into effect on Saturday and allows gay couples to have their love recognised as equal for the first time.

Sian Kimberley Jones and Rachel Kendall will be among the first local couples to wed under new marriage laws

Rachel Kendall, 22, and partner Sian Kimberley Jones, 23, were engaged five years ago, and have been planning their big day for more than two years.

Rachel said: “We got a phone call before Christmas from the registrar to say that the law is changing. It doesn’t matter to us if it is a civil partnership or a marriage.

“But it makes us feel like we are not outsiders, we are part of married life and a married couple. It makes it feel like the real thing and it will be the highlight of our lives.

“The fact is, love is a four letter word which is no different to the love of a straight couple.”

Rachel said they are preparing for a wedding at Chilham village hall in the summer, but added she is now worried about how older generations may react.

She said: “I’m quite nervous, but excited about it. I think it’s just the chance to prove how we feel being together. Some family members are still a bit worried and it is harder for the older generation who don’t understand it as we do.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury is concerned that the new law will "undermine" traditional family life

There has been opposition to gay marriage from religious groups, with the Archbishop of Canterbury saying it will undermine the basis of family life.

Meanwhile, Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale, who voted against the law, said: “My view hasn’t changed. Marriage is between a man and a woman.

“All major faiths recognise it as such, and marriage should be a matter of faith. We ought to scrap civil registry marriages and instead create a civil union for everyone who doesn’t want to get married in a church.

“I voted against the law at the time, and I would vote against it again.”

Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale opposes the change and voted against it

But Rachel argued: “It’s a big change. Some people are scared of change and automatically think it’s a bad thing. But it’s good that people are noticing and being OK with it. It’s a big step for us and a good step obviously.

“It can be quite challenging for some people. If that’s how they feel then fine, it’s their opinion.

“But are they going to make the community a better place by stopping certain people doing certain things that mean a lot to them?

“Some people don’t agree but why can’t people respect how we feel? Should it not work both ways?